Acnedap Plus Gel

Acnedap Plus Gel is a prescription acne gel from Cipla that combines two medicines. Dapsone 5% w/w calms inflammation and acts against acne bacteria. Adapalene 0.1% w/w, a retinoid, helps unclog pores and normalise skin cell turnover. Dermatologists prescribe it for acne with red, inflamed pimples as well as blackheads and whiteheads.

What it does

• Combines an anti-inflammatory medicine (dapsone) and a retinoid (adapalene) in one gel
• Usually applied once a day, in the evening
• Adapalene can cause dryness, redness or peeling in the first few weeks; your doctor may suggest a moisturiser or a slower start
• Adapalene makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sunscreen is essential

Key ingredients

• Dapsone 5% w/w – anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
• Adapalene 0.1% w/w – a retinoid that keeps pores clear

Who it's for

People whose dermatologist has prescribed this combination for acne. It is not for self-treatment. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have G6PD deficiency.

Where it fits in your routine

Apply a thin layer to acne-prone areas once a day, usually in the evening, or as prescribed. Pair it with a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturiser and an SPF 50 sunscreen every morning.

Good to know

• Prescription medicine. Dispensed only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Use exactly as your doctor directs.
• 15 ml
• Made in India by Cipla Ltd., Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
• For external use only. Keep away from the eyes, lips and inside of the nose.

Dapsone (5% w/w), Adapalene (0.1% w/w), Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

FAQs

Q1. What are Dapsone and Adapalene in Acnedap Plus Gel and how do they work together?
A1. Dapsone 5% is a sulfone compound with dual activity in acne: it inhibits Cutibacterium acnes bacteria directly, and independently suppresses the neutrophil-driven inflammatory response that converts bacterial presence into visible red, swollen lesions. Adapalene 0.1% is a third-generation synthetic retinoid that binds selectively to retinoid receptors in the follicle lining, normalising the abnormal keratinocyte shedding that creates comedones (blocked pores). Together they address acne from two different entry points — Dapsone reduces the bacterial and inflammatory load of existing lesions while Adapalene prevents new comedones from forming. This combination makes Acnedap Plus Gel particularly effective for mixed acne with both inflammatory papules and closed comedones.

Q2. Is Acnedap Plus Gel a prescription medication?
A2. Yes — Acnedap Plus Gel contains Dapsone (a pharmaceutical sulfone) and Adapalene (a prescription retinoid) at concentrations that require use under a dermatologist's guidance in India. It should not be self-prescribed or used without an assessment of your skin condition, skin type, and other medications you may be using. Prescription acne medications like Acnedap Plus Gel can cause skin reactions, increased photosensitivity, and may interact with other topical actives if not properly coordinated in your routine.

Q3. How soon does Acnedap Plus Gel produce visible results for inflammatory acne?
A3. Most users see a reduction in active inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules) within 4–6 weeks of consistent nightly application, as Dapsone's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects manifest relatively quickly. Improvement in comedones (blackheads, whiteheads) from Adapalene typically takes longer — 8–12 weeks — because normalising follicular keratinisation is a gradual process tied to skin cell turnover cycles. An initial purging phase (temporary worsening of breakouts as Adapalene accelerates cell turnover) is common in weeks 2–4 and resolves as the treatment establishes.

Q4. What precautions should be taken when using Acnedap Plus Gel?
A4. Apply only to affected areas once daily (typically in the evening) after cleansing and complete drying of the skin. Avoid the eye area, lips, and mucous membranes. Adapalene increases photosensitivity, making daily SPF50+ sunscreen use on treated areas non-negotiable during the day. Avoid concurrent use with other retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or exfoliating acids unless your dermatologist has specifically combined them in your regimen. Contact with fabric, hair, or eyes immediately after application should be avoided until the gel has fully dried.

Q5. Is Acnedap Plus Gel safe for Indian skin tones prone to Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?
A5. Adapalene's comedolytic action reduces the inflammatory lesion severity that causes PIH in darker skin tones, and Dapsone's anti-inflammatory mechanism directly limits the post-lesion inflammatory response that drives PIH. This makes Acnedap Plus Gel a suitable choice for PIH-prone skin when used under dermatologist supervision. Initial Adapalene-related irritation (dryness, mild peeling) can itself cause transient PIH in very sensitive dark skin tones — starting with a lower application frequency (every other night for the first 2 weeks) under dermatologist guidance reduces this risk.

Country of Origin: India
Mfg/Marketer details: Cipla Ltd., Khasra No. 138, Raipur Industrial Area, Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Dist. Haridwar, Uttarakhand - 247667, India
Shelf Life: 24 months from manufacturing date
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Safety Information: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Discontinue if severe irritation occurs. Keep out of reach of children.